Looking at the statistics in front of me, from Jan 1st 2007 until Oct 19th 2007, there were 124 attacks (mortar and rocket) on BIAP (Baghdad Airport), 115 at Basrah, 113 at Balad, 103 at Mosul, 89 at Talil, 88 at Tikrit, 66 at Tal Afar, etc.
Thirteen civilian aircraft damaged since Jan 1st 2007 on ground at Iraqi airfields.
Seventeen MANPADS attacks on civilian aircraft since Jan 1st 2007, four hits, none destroyed.
Beleiev me, buddy, it IS a warzone.